Neben der Spur

The Swedish film Ur Spar (2022) (Off Track) is a comedy that has three main focuses: (a) infertility and how to deal with the frustrations it brings, (2) how to push and motivate a mother to be more responsible, as well as how to persuade her for taking a better care of her daughter, and (3) how to participate in a tough ski race that requires persistence and a lot of physical preparation in advance to be fit enough to ski for 90 kilometers. The three focuses are very well tied together and the two main characters in the film are the reckless mother and her very determined brother, who is very keen on training and keeping himself fit, to be part of the ski race.

The group of actors do a very good work, their interactions sometimes can be interestingly funny and I think the film achieved its goal i.e., be a light entertainment as well as at its end let us in a good mood.

Loved the story, acting, script (watched with the English audio, OTT). Full of hope and I want to start a walking, jogging, swimming challenge ... loved the star's earthed attitude - looking after herself and her kid the best she can, at the same time being bothered about important civic causes like having being sensitive and open to people on the spectrum, both folks with mental issues and LGBTQ+. The movie did not get boring and the side roles of the brother, his wife the cab driver, the cop, all were superb. If nothing else we should learn to be more open and fit from the Swedes. Protect yours but be open where you can.

When I saw the ratings of this movie I was very hessitative to watch it. ...BUT it appeared to be the perfect rom-com for the Holidays. The main characters act on a high level; perfect for this genre (Fredrik Hallgren and Katia Winter).

The humor is perfectly balanced with the personal drama the characters have to deal with and the build up of the story is smooth and believeable.

...and who wouldn't fall in love with the picturesque shots of Sweden?!

Go and watch it! Rate it positive; It's Swedish culture combined with a well written script and based in a beautiful landscape. Definitely worth a 9/10.

This is the tale of a single mother down on her luck, and her brother who is experiencing a confusing transition in his life and marriage. Add to this several other people who get caught up in the drama, and they all end up at a cross-country skiing marathon, (probably famous in Sweden). A very heartwarming, and touching tale of folks trying to get their lives back on track before everything goes to the crapper.

I was a bit surprised at how light-hearted and carefree it was in many ways, yet also conveys a serious message. I guess what I learned the most was: never give up, be there for the ones you love, and it will work out in the end.

I was entertained by the story and I like cross-country skiing, so that's a plus. The acting was not too shabby, the musical score was enticing and provoked the appropriate emotional responses. I felt it was a great story full of life lessons for those of us who find our lives straying a bit off track. This one entails several decent hearted people that seemed to be going through mid-life crises, however they are all in their 30's, and 40's, so they need some self-correction a bit sooner than later.

The English dubbing was actually very good, in fact dubbed so well you don't even notice their lips are moving to a different language. The facial expressions, the culture, the pacing, and all of it were as if filmed in the states. Of course, this made it easier for me to stick around until the end.

All movies of this genre come from an "as you desire"-mill of lackluster productions. Barely connected to anything Swedish, they're only goal is to serve as a vehicle for actors who simple cannot find other work, while also filling coffers with coins from people who believe every tired trope and fabricated stereotype imaginable. Call it a knee-slapper, call it a crazy flic, but don't worry - if you had better thoughts of Sweden's capacity for wit and script your dreams may stay intact.